The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Rusal instals crude aluminium cleaning system

(Posted on 06/11/20)

Rusal, a leading global aluminium producer, completes the installation of a modern automated system for cleaning crude aluminium in crucibles at the Khakas aluminium smelter (KhAZ).

The Company has invested USD 2.7 million in the project. The introduction of the automated complex will result in an expansion in both the share of alloys and the value-added products produced at KhAZ that are in demand across the rolling, automotive, food, aircraft and construction industries.

The innovative equipment produced for RUSAL in Canada will process metal in a 10-tonne crucible. It will effectively remove alkaline and alkaline earth metals from the molten aluminum and reduce the concentration of nonmetallic inclusions. One of the main advantages of the TAC (Treatment of aluminum in Crucible®) technology is the complete automation of the production process it provides.

"Improving the quality and purity of the products is a key goal in our modernisation programme, that is currently being carried out across RUSAL’s production facilities. The TAC cleaning system has been operating for two years at the Sayanogorsk aluminum plant, and we are well aware of its advantages – it not only reduces metallurgical losses, but also decreases the personnel workload as the process can be completed through automation. Moreover, with the new cleaning system reaching its design performance, KhAZ will be able to significantly increase the pool of potential consumers for its products," said RUSAL CEO Evgenii Nikitin.

The unit will be commissioned in the coming month and tests with heated metal will be performed soon after. It is planned the equipment will be put into commercial operation by the end of this year.